Highlights of Vietnam & Laos

This tour combines two of Indochina’s most popular destinations: a comprehensive tour of Vietnam, plus a few fascinating days in Luang Prabang, Laos.

Begin in dynamic Saigon, the country’s bustling commercial center. With your own expert guide and driver, experience the city's most interesting neighborhoods, historic attractions, museums, art galleries and shops, markets, and excellent restaurants. One day, drive into the countryside to the Cu ChiTunnels and the colorful mid-day ceremony at the Cao Dai temple.

Next, fly to Hue, the former imperial capital, in central Vietnam. Visit royal tombs, the imperial Citadel, and take a cruise along the Perfume River. Meet with monks at an ancient pagoda and learn about Buddhism and life as a monk in Hue. Visit markets, sample Hue's vegetarian cuisine, and enjoy tea at a private home that once belonged to the royal family.

Continue on a coastal drive to atmospheric Hoi An, a UNESCO-listed riverfront town with colorful historic homes, charming cafes, and bustling silk and fish markets. With your guide, explore the beautiful backstreets, visit local villages, and enjoy a boat ride on the river. Nearby, also see ancient Cham sculptures and tour Buddhist cave temples in the mountains. There will also be free time to relax at your luxury beach resort.

Transfer to Hanoi, Vietnam’s artistic and intellectual capital. With your guide, ride cyclos around the lake to see the city's most beautiful French colonial architecture. Explore the fascinating Old Quarter and its hundreds of specialty shops selling silk clothing, lacquerware, embroidered linens, furniture, bamboo, cooking utensils, ceremonial objects and more. Attend an evening Water Puppet Theater performance. Visit ancient temples, excellent art and culture museums, and the city's best contemporary Vietnamese art galleries. Each night, reservations will be made at Hanoi's most recommended restaurants, many of which are housed in restored French colonial villas. One day, take a Vietnamese cooking class and learn to prepare delicious dishes such as fish marinated with beer and herbs, lemon chicken, and banana flower salad. Alternatively, spend the day on an excursion in beautiful Halong Bay.

Next, fly to Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed town along the Mekong River in northern Laos. With your own expert guide and driver, experience the best of the town and surrounding region. Explore streets lined with a unique blend of traditional Lao and French colonial architecture. Visit cultural attractions, including museums and important temples. Learn about the Buddhism and its central role in Laos' culture. Explore markets. Visit hill tribe villages, meet silk weavers and contemporary textile designers, and take a memorable boat excursion that spends the day visiting craft villages and nearby caves filled with Buddha statues. Upon request, we are also happy to incorporate special touring requests such as hiking, a cooking class, a visit to a private home, photography excursions, attending alms processions, and more.